rejected outright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rejected outright" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something (usually a proposal or suggestion) is rejected without consideration. For example: The committee rejected our proposal outright, without giving it any thought.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was rejected outright.

The New York Times - Magazine

These were rejected outright by their leadership.

The Economist

And pornography will be rejected outright.

The New York Times

These early discussions were rejected outright.

The Guardian

The proposal was rejected outright by the election commission.

The Economist

In fact, only ten such claims were rejected outright.

The Economist

The ultimatum was rejected outright by the Brotherhood.

Independent

That shouldn't be rejected outright before we know the facts.

The New York Times

The proposal would be rejected outright by British Eurosceptics.

The Guardian - Business

These panels assign scores to about half the applications they receive (the others are rejected outright).

The Economist

These terms were rejected outright by Mr. Arafat, who proceeded to restart the intifada.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rejected outright" to convey a sense of finality and lack of consideration. It's suitable when a proposal or idea receives immediate and firm disapproval.

Common error

While "rejected outright" is effective for conveying decisiveness, avoid using it in situations requiring empathy or careful consideration, as it can sound dismissive or insensitive. Instead, opt for softer alternatives like "declined" or "not accepted at this time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rejected outright" functions as a verb phrase indicating a complete and immediate refusal. It modifies a verb, adding emphasis to the act of rejection. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rejected outright" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a complete and immediate refusal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. Analysis of example sentences reveals its prevalence in news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. When aiming to convey decisiveness, "rejected outright" serves as a powerful tool; however, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential for insensitivity in contexts requiring a more delicate approach. Alternative phrases, such as "dismissed outright" or "flatly denied", offer varying degrees of emphasis and formality for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejected categorically

Emphasizes the absence of any doubt or condition in the rejection.

rejected directly

Focuses on the lack of intermediaries or indirectness in the rejection.

dismissed outright

Highlights the immediate termination or disregard of something.

refused point-blank

Stresses the directness and bluntness of the refusal.

flatly denied

Focuses on the denial aspect, emphasizing its firmness.

turned down immediately

Emphasizes the speed and decisiveness of the rejection.

vetoed decisively

Implies a formal rejection, often by someone in authority.

rebuffed completely

Suggests a more forceful rejection, possibly involving a personal element.

declined summarily

Highlights the brevity and lack of ceremony in the rejection.

spurned entirely

Implies a strong feeling of disdain or contempt in the rejection.

FAQs

How can I use "rejected outright" in a sentence?

You can use "rejected outright" to indicate that something was refused or dismissed immediately and completely. For example, "The committee "rejected outright" the proposal without further discussion."

What are some alternatives to saying "rejected outright"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "dismissed outright", "refused point-blank", or "flatly denied" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "rejected outright" too strong for formal communication?

While "rejected outright" is generally acceptable, consider the tone you want to convey. In very formal settings, "declined" or "not approved" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "rejected outright" and "rejected"?

"Rejected outright" implies a more immediate and complete dismissal than simply "rejected". "Rejected" may leave room for reconsideration, while "rejected outright" suggests the matter is closed.